Cerberus took no steps to stop Rei from taking the book. She opened it to a random dusty page. The first snippet she read went as follows:
Rule a nation with justice.

Wage war with surprise moves.

Become a master of the universe without striving.

How do I know this is so? Because of this!
The more laws and restrictions there are, The poorer the people become.

The sharper men's weapons, The more trouble in the land.

The more trouble in the land,

The more ingenious and clever men are,

The more strange things happen,

The more rules and regulations,

The more thieves and robbers.
Therefore the sage says:

I take no action and people are reformed. I enjoy peace and people become honest. I do nothing and people become rich. I have no desires and people return to the good, and simple life.



Rei wondered what kind of book this was. It sounded like some kind of Shaper manuscript. yet, it didn't sound exactly like the Shapers because the Shapers had always had the task of imposing order and devising ways to make sure that order resulted. There were always laws and restrictions. There were weapons. However, there did not seem to be any trouble in the land--at least Rei never heard of any. Rei carefully tucked the book away in what was the glove compartment of her digital interface. Interfaces offered limited storage capacity. Cerberus jerked his ears when she placed the book there.

"Mortal Rei, you do realize that while you have this book, I must guard it just as if it were here, do you not?"

Rei did not think of this, but she nodded her head anyway.

"Be sure you keep it safe and do not give it to anyone else. I will protect the book if I a must, but I would prefer not to be needed."  spat Cerberus. With this final sentence, he leaped to his feet and began to go wherever he went when he was not on duty. His gait was strange in that the distance he covered did not match what one would expect from his build. He was out of sight within seconds.